Donations to the Orange County Model Engineers (OCME) are always welcomed. Our club survives solely on donations from the guests and train enthusiasts who come out for a ride on our railroad, and donations are greatly appreciated. “Remember, your donations help keep the trains running!”
$40,000 FOR 40 YEARS WITH OCME
TO DONATE — Click the donation widget above, or CLICK HERE
For 40 years, the Orange County Model Engineers have been preserving the magic of railroading and sharing it with the community. In 1985, our founding members had an idea to bring large-scale model railroading to the people of Orange County. It was their dedication and foresight that brought the Mackerel Flats and Goathill Junction Railroad to life in Costa Mesa and has kept it operating for the last 36 years. Today, our volunteers continue their legacy, maintaining nearly 5 miles of track and welcoming thousands of visitors each year to experience the joy of railroading in Fairview Park.
Now, as we celebrate four decades of railroading fun, we need your help to keep the trains rolling! We aim to raise $40,000 in 2025—one thousand dollars for every year of OCME. Your donation will help maintain our locomotives, tracks, and facilities to continue offering free rides, hosting special events, and inspiring future generations of railroad enthusiasts. Whether large or small, every contribution helps fuel the future of our railroad. Donate today and be a part of our 40-year legacy!
OCME is a 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation chartered in the state of California for educational purposes. Your donations are tax-deductible. Federal Tax ID #33-0141601
TRUCK REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
Keep The Trains Rolling
Here at Goathill Junction, we joke that it’s hard to run a train without wheels—but it’s true! Each of our passenger cars rides on two sets of trucks (the wheel-and-suspension assemblies under the cars), and after decades of faithful service—and lots of smiling passengers—many of those trucks have reached the end of the line. The original manufacturer closed over a decade ago, so spare parts are scarce.
So, we did what railroaders do: we engineered a better solution. Our volunteers designed a modern replacement truck with heat-treated wheels for extra strength and roller bearings for smoother rides and easier maintenance. The wheels and axles are machined locally in Orange County, and the trucks are assembled by trained OCME volunteers—keeping your donation working right here in the community.
Our goal is to raise $50,000 to outfit the fleet: 40 pairs of trucks for our 39 passenger cars (plus one spare set). That works out to about $1,250 per car, spread over the next 2–3 years—a smart investment to keep free public rides rolling for the next generation.
You can put some steam under our wheels by giving to the Truck Replacement Program today. Every dollar goes straight into new wheels and trucks—no frills, just rails.
And remember, your donation is tax-deductible. Help us keep Goathill Junction smooth, safe, and rolling for decades to come!
